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Thinking about going to the Bergen coronavirus drive-thru test site? Here's who can get tested

Although hundreds of cars lined up Friday for the first day of the drive-thru coronavirus testing center at Bergen Community College in Paramus, authorities stressed that it is not on a first-come, first-serve basis but rather for state residents exhibiting symptoms of the virus.

Those who want to be tested must be New Jersey residents and will first be screened for symptoms of the virus, which include fever above 99.6 degrees, cough, shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms. Those who are not exhibiting these symptoms will not be given a test.

"This is not for the 'worried well,' " Col. Patrick Callahan, superintendent of the state police, said Thursday.

On Friday morning, two cars were accepted at a time, some with a solo occupant and others filled with four people. After the screening for symptoms, participants were given a swab test.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is running the testing center, but only has a supply of about 2,400 test kits per week. Gov. Phil Murphy said that testing would be free and will be covered by the federal government or personal insurance companies. Those with insurance cards were encouraged to bring them.

A line of cars stretched down Paramus Road with many concerned citizens lining up to get tested.

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Hundreds of cars lined up at Bergen's first coronavirus drive-thru testing center when it opened on Friday, March 20, 2020.
NorthJersey.com

The number of positive cases in the state rise every day as testing ramps up. As of Thursday, the state jumped to 742 positive cases, with 195 in Bergen County alone.

Murphy said on Thursday that he fully expects the total number to rise into the thousands as more tests become available.

Anthony Zurita is a breaking news reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all the major news happening in North Jersey, subscribe here. To get breaking news directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.